Month: October 2020

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Ganduje hails Buhari, IGP for replacing SARS with SWAT

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the introduction of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team as part of reforms of the Nigeria Police.

1st News reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammmed Adamu, had announced the formation of SWAT to replace the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).

Meanwhile, SARS was disbanded on October 11, a sequel to public outcry and widespread protest by Nigerians over its operations. Adamu announced SWAT as a replacement squad in accordance with Section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020.

Ganduje lauded the president and the IGP in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary; Mr Abba Anwar, on Wednesday in Kano.

Equally important, the governor commended the action while addressing a coalition of youth groups on a solidarity rally at the Government House, Kano.

Further, the governor commended the youth for cooperating with security agencies to enhance the safety and security of the state.

“We noticed that there are protests in some sections of the country while in Kano. The youth decided to take a good stand by not condemning the police as an institution; rather condemned the few bad eggs among them.

“Without the police, can we move freely in the country?

“We are only calling for the fishing out of the bad eggs among the institution; no more, no less.

“SWAT formation is a good step in the right direction…Reforming the police institution is what our youth are agitating for.

“We commend you for the maintenance of law and order in the state,” Ganduje was quoted as saying in the statement.

Also, the statement  quoted Mr Khalid Sanusi, the National Coordinator, Coalition of Youth Groups; as saying that the events in the past days had brought a policy twist in the nation’s security system.

Specifically, Sanusi commended President Buhari and the IGP for the prompt response. Also, he hailed the gallant efforts of the youth to voice genuine concerns for a better policing orientation in the country.

He said the rally was to show their support of the planned reform of the police; adding that practical steps were necessary to successfully reform the police.

This, he said, could be achieved through adequate funding and provision of equipment to enable the police to operate in accordance with international standards.

He said: “We believe FSARS, which had helped to reduce criminal activities in the country; created as a unit in the police force with noble anti-robbery intentions.

“We hope that the police authorities, as promised by the IGP, will re-evaluate, restructure, rebrand and rebuild confidence in an efficient and effective anti-bribery tactical unit in the force.”

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Jack Dorsey: Twitter CEO calls for donations to #EndSARS protests, verifies key members

Jack Dorsey, the co-founder, and CEO of Twitter on Wednesday, October 14, endorsed the #EndSARS movement championed by young Nigerians calling for the reform of the police force.

1st News gathered that Jack Dorsey threw his support behind the agitations; via the #EndSARS hashtag late in the evening on Thursday, October 14, 2020.

In addition, he called for donations via BitCoin for the #EndSARS movement. This endorsement from Jack Dorsey comes in the wake of calls from Twitter users, requesting the micro-blogging site to verify handles of some of the frontline activists leading the protest.

The endorsement tweet contained the #EndSARS hashtag and links to contents on the protests for anyone looking to read more about the development that has thrown millions of Nigerian youths on the street for about a week.

Furthermore, Jack Dorsey tweeted the donation links provided by Feminist Co, a coalition in charge of donations for the protests.

Subsequently, crucial members of the team including FK Abudu and Mochievous were verified in the move by the Twitter CEO.

Meanwhile, the sustained #EndSARS protests which entered its 7th day on Wednesday, October 14, have triggered speculations that the Federal Government might shut down the internet.

1st News had reported that the agitations of the #EndSARS protesters led to the eventual dissolution of the feared Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS).

The genesis of the #EndSARS protests was due to a video of a fatal police shooting of a Nigerian man. The development sparked outrage and reignited a public call for the total dissolution of the controversial police unit.

The video caused large numbers of Nigerians including celebrities, politicians and activists calling for justice; using hashtags such as #WarOnSars, #EndSARS and #SARSAlert #SARSMUSTEND.

With celebrities adding their voice to the #EndSARS campaign; it jumped to the top of the global trend on Twitter. Also, it drew international support from celebrities like Kanye West,Trey Songz, Mesut Ozil and Marcus Rashford.

Superstars Wizkid and Falz have also been physically present in London and Abuja protests.

Social media has played a very crucial role in the protests against the police; fueled by years of repeated experiences of police abuses and videos of brutal incidents; including the beating of civilians and the firing of live ammunition at protesters.

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Gaba – 4wardwego Ft Freezlinks x Lypsi x Zzajoker x Dapper Jay x Spak Armani [Hit by Craziebless]

Nigerian very own remarkable leading Entertainment & News Blog, 4wardwego, teamed up with some of the top trending artistes in town, Freezlinks, Lypsi, Zzajoker, Dapper Jay, and Spak Armani, to thrill the music airwaves with a brand new super amazing sound tagged “Gaba” (forward) a hit by Craziebless.

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#EndSARS protests set to continue as Nigerians reject new SWAT, trend #EndSWAT

The agitations over the excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and reform of the Nigerian Police which has culminated in protests and marches in various parts of the country under the #EndSARS movement may not be over yet.

1st News can report that Nigeria may witness a continuation of the #EndSARS protests; especially after some misgivings were expressed over the latest announcement by the Inspector-General of Police.

On Tuesday, October 13, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu had announced the set up a new unit called the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) to replace the SARS.

The announcement was made by the Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba in a statement released to newsmen.

Prospective members of this new team are expected to undergo a psychological and medical examination; which he disclosed will ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

Also on Tuesday, the IGP had ordered all personnel of the disbanded SARS to report at the Force headquarters in Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

4wardwego had reported that the IGP stated that the disbanded SARS officials are expected to undergo the process; as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties. The medical examination will be carried out by a newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU). This unit, the Force says will, henceforth, engage in psychological management; reorientation and training of the officers of the force deployed for tactical operations and other duties.

However, the latest development has not gone down well with many Nigerians; further sparking concerns that the #EndSARS protests may well continue.

Indeed, 4wardwego can report that a new hashtag #EndSWAT has already surfaced on the micro-blogging site, Twitter, in the immediate aftermath of the announcement by the IGP.  This is in addition to another one – #SWATMustEnd. Also, a number of Nigerians have wasted no time in expressing their intention to reject the new unit.

Equally important, 4wardwego has put together a number of reactions from Nigerians to the latest development.

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Operation Safe Haven to Partner with Bloggers in Fighting Crime

The Special Taskforce codenamed Operation Safe Haven has said it will partner with critical stakeholders in information management to fight crime in the society.

Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj. General C. C. Okonkwo made the disclosure at the Headquarters of the
Security Outfit in a parley with Officials and Members of Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association when they paid him a familiarization visit.

Maj. Gen. Okonkwo underscored the critical roles being played by Online Reporters in peace building and informing the public of happenings around them.

Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo

He said security is everyone’s business and urged Bloggers to always verify the authenticity of what the publish for public consumption.

He posited that their door is wide open for sharing intelligence information that will forestall attacks.

He said OPSH has zero tolerance for criminality assuring the group of their readiness and commitment to reduce crime to the barest minimum. He said OPSH will deal decisively with those who are out to cause breach of peace and security.

He urged the Group to ensure what they publish are objective, factual, the truth and aimed at promoting peace instead of inciting violence.

He frowned at how criminal elements are being protected and not being exposed by Members of the public act he said has been affecting their operations. He urged the public to furnish them with information that can lead to arrest and prosecution of criminal elements. He said OPSH has been able to arrest criminals and seek for the cooperation of the public to help fight crime.
He said crime has no religion, ethnic group or political party as it affects all.

He appreciated the group for the visit and for the commendation on their activities and said the synergy needed to restore peace, achieve a more safer and secured society will be sustained.

Earlier in his remarks, Leader of the delegation and Chairman of Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, Cmr. Friday Bako lauded the efforts and commitment of OPSH under the leadership of Maj. Gen. C. C. Okonkwo in restoring enduring peace and protecting lives and property against criminal elements.

Cmr. Friday Bako

He spoke on the need for effective communication and synergy between the security and Online Reporters in promoting peaceful coexistence and fighting crime.
He spoke on the need for media influencers to always take humanity and patriotism into consideration when reporting.

He said as a group, they have discarded emotional and sensational reportage that can ignite violence by embracing professionalism and factual reportage. He said no development can be achieved in a chaotic society and said as Agents of Peace, they will continue to work to ensure unity, peace and progress are achieved.

He said as Bloggers they have seen the need to be logical and rational in their reportage having made love for humanity and true patriotism their watch words.

He called on OPSH to improve on their reaction to crisis situation, be more proactive and ensure that criminals are dealt with severely irrespective of their tribe, ethnicity and religion to serve as deterrent to others as well as tackle the issue of unprofessional conduct among some officers. The Bloggers promised to work in synergy with OPSH to achieve enduring peace by furnishing it with useful information that will assist them in fighting crime and restoring peace in Plateau State.

The meeting was well attended by the Chief of Staff OPSH Brig. General BY Sakaba, the Deputy Commander OPSH DCP Emma Ado, Operation Officer OPSH Col. O Famakinwa, Media Officer OPSH Maj. IA Shittu and other Principal Officers of the Security Apparatus.

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ASUU, again, accuses FG of blackmail over IPPIS enrollment

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Sunday, October 11, vowed that the Federal Government will not railroad its members into enrolling in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

This stance from ASUU was a sequel to an earlier mandate issued by the FG which seeks to stop the salaries of university employees, who have not enrolled in the scheme.

In its statement, ASUU described the move as a blackmail to weaken workers and make them enroll on the platform.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt Branch of ASUU, Dr Austen Sado, on Sunday.

Sado said that the directive by the government clearly shows that there is something the Federal Government is not telling the people.

He said, “It (directive to stop salaries) clearly shows that there is something the Federal Government is not telling the people. They are not paying us (some lecturers). So, why are they saying by November?

“What they are doing now is just blackmail and threat to see how they would weaken our members; to go and enroll (on IPPIS). People who have not enrolled are not being paid; some people for eight months; some for three, going to four months. I have not been paid salary since July; while some people have not been paid since February”.

Meanwhile, Minister of State, Labour & Employment, Festus Keyamo, alongside the organised labour on Monday, October 12; announced the programmes being instituted to ameliorate the suffering of the Nigerian people; due to the COVID-19 pandemic; with respect to, VAT and electricity billing.

Keyamo also revealed a comprehensive synergy with the NERC; in order to ensure the protection of the power sector and workers therein.

This was contained in a communique co-signed by Keyamo and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

Amongst issues discussed at the meeting are:

  • “Using VAT proceeds to temporarily subsidize tariffs whilst the Federal Government Committee will work for two more months to resolve other issues that may substantially affect tariff adjustments.
  • “Other immediate reliefs include the provision of six million free meters to Nigerians; salary protection for electricity workers; a mandatory refund for any over-billing during system transition by the Discos; monthly publication by NERC of allowed billing of unmetered customers etc,” the statement reads.
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Buhari, Osinbajo’s daughters join call to #EndSARS

The daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday, October 10, lent their support to the #EndPoliceBrutality protest which seeks to stop police harassment, brutality and extrajudicial killings.

4wardwego gathered that Zahra Buhari posted an image of clenched fists on her Instagram status with the words, #EndPoliceBrutality.

In the same vein, the Vice-President’s daughter, Kiki Osinbajo, also posted the same photo on Instagram with the caption, “Police Brutality Must End Now… #EndPoliceBrutality #EndSARS.”

Nonetheless, many protesting youths told them to relay the message to their fathers directly; as this would be more effective than a mere social media post.

Thousands of youths have since Thursday been publicly protesting the excesses of the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

The police outfit, which is originally mandated to tackle armed robbery, has in recent years been engaging in the arbitrary arrest of youths under the guise of tackling cyber-crime.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, October 10, in Kaduna; expressed full confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Army to protect the territorial integrity of the nation; particularly in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

In a statement, Garba Shehu, the president’s spokesman said Buhari made his feelings known at the Combined Passing Out Parade of the Cadets of 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

The president, who was the Reviewing Officer, said the loyalty and patriotism of service personnel must be sustained and strengthened; appealing to all Nigerians to uphold and project the unity of the country.

He assured that the Federal Government will increase manpower; and improve training to meet the changing dynamics of security in the country.

Buhari said: “Despite our obvious differences, we must strive to ensure that our actions; and utterances are aimed towards strengthening our democratic framework.

“We must subsume our personal and sectional interests; to the overall national aspirations of unity, economic prosperity and good governance.”

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Police officer threatens to murder citizens amid #EndSARS protest

A Nigerian man who identifies as a police officer has published a video on social media where he was seen threatening to murder protesters.

He didn’t specify his location; however, the police officer revealed that he is prepared to terminate at least 29 citizens; adding that he has 30 bullets in his gun.

Speaking in both Yoruba and Pidgin English, the officer vowed that he will not take nonsense from anyone he encounters. He stated that he is prepared to take the lives of innocent citizens unapologetically. Also, he disclosed that he is prepared to end his own life with the remaining bullet, if need be.

His statement is coming amidst the heat for the abolishment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. Youths on the micro-blogging site, Twitter and other social media platforms have urged the federal government to ban and eradicate the unit of the Nigerian Police Force with immediate effect.

The yet-to-be-identified Police officer also referenced the extrajudicial killing of an unarmed young man in Ughelli, Delta State. He ranted about not being involved in requesting bribes, even as he warned that he is ready to murder anyone who threatens to confront him.

Watch the video in link below.

https://twitter.com/instablog9ja/status/1314917032626974723

4wardwego had reported that hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets in a wave of protests against police violence that have left two dead.

It was garnered that a protester and a police officer were killed on Thursday; while another sustained life-threatening injuries; during a protest in Ughelli, Delta State.

On Friday, protesters gathered peacefully in Lagos; but in Abuja and Osun State there was violence.

The movement initially targeted FSARS, widely accused of unlawful arrests, torture; as well as murder; but has since broadened to include all police force.

The FSARS unit was earlier suspended on Sunday from routine patrols.

Several Nigerian celebrities have expressed support for the movement.

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Rivers: Infamous serial killer, Gracious David-West sentenced to death by hanging

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, October 10, issued the verdict of a death sentence by hanging to the serial killer, Gracious David-West.

Mr David-West was charged for the murder of several young ladies in different hotels around Rivers State.

The court convicted the killer based on pieces of evidence which also suggests that David-West had a signature of strangling his victims to death.

Consequently, the 40-year-old was arraigned on a ten-count charge of murder and attempted murder.

Trial Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli based his judgment on the voluntary statement and also confession of the culprit; as well as the CCTV footage of the convict which was tendered and displayed during the trial.

According to the Judge, all the evidence and statement obtained pass for valid proof that Mr. David-West is guilty of the crime which was carried out between the 30th of July and September, 2019.

The Rivers court also discharged and acquitted the second defendant, Nimi Thank-God who was accused of dumping the remains of one of the victims killed in a dustbin.

Justice Enebeli said the prosecution counsel failed to prove their case that the accused actually committed the crime.

Addressing newsmen outside the courtroom; counsel to the convicted; Vincent Chukwu said his client will try the judgment at the higher court.

The Rivers state prosecution counsel, Chidi Eke who welcomed the judgment said this would serve as a deterrent to all those involved in such an act.

Counsel to Nimi Thank-God, the second defendant in the matter expressed happiness over the judgment that exonerated his client.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the #EndSARS protests, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday evening, October 9; called for restraint as protests against brutality; and extortion by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) intensified in many parts of the country.

Buhari made this appeal via his Twitter handle; revealing he had directed the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, to reform the FSARS.

The IGP had earlier briefed the president on the matter at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari tweeted, “I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct; and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people.”

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NANS urges peaceful #EndSARS protest, cautions against vandalising government property

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned protesters against the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) of the police to stop vandalising government property in the name of protest.

Mr Azeez Adeyemi, the National Public Relations Officer of the association said this in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday, October 10.

Adeyemi who noted that, though, the activities of FSARS needed to be checked, said that the ongoing protest in parts of the country might have been hijacked by hoodlums.

The NANS PRO added that the hoodlums might take advantage of the protest to wreak havoc on law-abiding citizens of the country.

“The activities of the police, not only that of special anti-robbery squad should be reformed for optimal performance, but we must take precautions and be careful about the way we go about it.

“Information at our disposal revealed that some hoodlums have already hijacked the nationwide protest in a bid to cause chaos and throw the country into crisis.

“We are also aware that some internet fraudsters in a bid to continue perpetrating their criminal acts are mobilising hoodlums to protest against the activities of FSARS who have been clamping down on them.

“We want to call the attention of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mohammed Adamu to the plans of these criminals and their devilish plans,” the NANS official said.

He added: ”The I-G ordered that men of the FSARS should no longer conduct checks neither should they mount roadblocks but the people behind these protests are not satisfied with this.

“The police should not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone caught disturbing the peace of the public or causing violence all in the name of protest.

“We call on Nigerian students and youths, in general, to always be law-abiding and not to allow anybody or groups to use them for their selfish interests,” he said.